Once Upon a Thigh: January 2006

Table of Contents


Notes from the Editor

Congratulations, Denese Hirsche for losing 10% of your body weight in the last 6 months. Please call me and let me know who else I missed and I will enter you all in the contest for a free wardrobe consultation, Face Design, or hair design. My recording system for keeping track of this has not been the best, but I think I have it mastered now.

I will do one mailing a year, January. You may access the monthly newsletters on line at madisonwomensclinic.com. There will be an area to click to find Once Upon a Thigh. If you do not have access to the internet, call and leave me a message and I will mail a copy to you. I just went to the post office and found out that stamps will be $.39 as of Jan. 8. So get all those letters written before then to save money.

I love the New Year - new beginnings. I have set some goals and have tried to have them be realistic. Remember that you will have good days and bad days. The goal is to have more good days than bad days.

If you are having success losing weight on Glucophage, and feeling good, then I would like to keep you on it. The medicine is neutral for Insulin Resistance. The benefit is that it decreases your cravings for carbohydrates which usually transmits into weight loss. This decreases your risk of progressing to diabetes.

You should be exercising 30 minutes, 5 days a week and changing your exercise program monthly so that your body does not get used to any one exercise. So, we are more successful if we combine medication with healthy eating and exercise.

Remember 1 tsp. of cinnamon daily will keep your blood sugars more level. 21 almonds a day help you keep full (I divide them into 3 snacks). Chromium 400mcg is also helpful in Insulin Resistance. Persistence is the word. Don't get discouraged and if you do, call me.

Remember our monthly meetings: first Wednesday of every month at the office from 7-8 PM. HOWEVER, in January we will be meeting at the World Gym in Rexburg at 7 PM. They will have a special program for us. We won't be exercising. Hope to see you there.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Waist         > 40" for men
                > 35" for women

Fasting triglyceride > 150

Fasting HDL < 40 for men
                < 50 for women

Blood pressure > 130/85

Fasting glucose > 110

 Most patients with metabolic syndrome are also Insulin Resistant and diabetes will develop in many of these patients. Initially patients with IR produce large amounts of insulin that prevent hyperglycemia. In many of these patients, pancreatic function will slow leading to hyperglycemia and diabetes.

A 10% loss of body weight translates to 30% loss of adipose tissue. This leads to decreased blood pressure, lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and higher HDL (good cholesterol).

Metformin (glucophage) acts on liver to slow sugar release. Patients on metformin had a 30% reduction in cardiovascular events. Metformin lowers triglycerides and LDL.

Interesting fact: Between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, the average American gains 11 pounds!

What Style of Pants are BEST for YOU?

Thick middle: plain front that sits low on the hips, they won't cut across the widest part of your midsection, flared cuffs balance out a full belly.

Long legs: lucky you. You can handle flared legs and a wide waistband and belt.

Curvy figure: pants that hug your hip.

Long torso: pants that sit high on the hips. This makes your legs look longer.

Straight figure: wear lean trousers.

Short torso: low rise and thin waistband to visually extend the length of the upper body.

Plus size: yoke in the back keeps rear from looking too wide or flat, no pockets that bring attention.

Full hips and thighs: to balance pear shape, make sure you can pinch an inch on each side of your pants while you are in them, wide legs are helpful.

Short legs: no pockets in front, pants that ride on the waist.

Weight Loss Pearls

Although sugar substitutes may not help you lose weight, research shows they can help people who have recently lost weight to sustain weight loss. You can use sugar substitutes as a complement to your weight loss strategy, but they shouldn't be your whole game plan.

Cutting calories is an important component of weight loss, but make sure your approach doesn't leave you feeling deprived or hungry all the time.

Zero fat equals zero results. A little unsaturated fat in your diet can help you absorb valuable nutrients from your food, help provide feelings of fullness and help improve your heart health, all at the same time.

Any drastic change - eliminating a food group, taking diet pills or laxatives or exercising incessantly is likely to result in only short term weight loss and potential long-term troubles. Focus on gradual changes that you can maintain.

Bath Products

You are probably all shower people like me, but on occasion, I love a great soak. Here is some great info:

Neutrogena Body Oil: $10
Versatile, tried and true moisturizer. The sesame oil acts as a barrier and protects the skin from dehydration, so anyone can benefit from it.

Burt's Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals: $10
The crystals contain sea salt and eucalyptus oil to invigorate the body and baking soda to sooth the skin.

The Healing Garden zzzTherapy Powdered Milk Bath: $9
Chamomile and orange-blossom extract, helps you fall asleep and feels great.

Wardrobe HINTS

Light brings forward, makes you appear larger. Dark pushes back and makes you appear smaller.

Survival Kit-$20

The Eddie Bauer Survival Kit in a bottle is perfect for the glove compartment, gym bag, or kitchen cabinet. With a flash ligh, knife, first aid kit and more, you're ready for anything. Buy at www.eddiebauer.com.

Free Weight Loss Support Group

Call Creekside Counseling for times: 529-5777

Drowsy While Driving?

Try COUGHING. It stimulates your wake cycle. It would be better to pull over though.